"My View" | Official Blog of the International Window Film Association

For utility companies in the business of selling power, demand can, on occasion, exceed capacity making operations inefficient. In response to this we’re encouraging utilities to be aware of the energy savings benefits of professionally installed window film while educating their customers on the returns.

Up to one-third of heating and cooling costs can be lost through inefficient windows, and many utility customers have older less efficient single pane windows in their buildings. Professionally installed energy control window film is a highly effective way to save energy. Once installed, window film may offer year-round savings of about five to 10 percent of the buildings’ total energy bill. Some new window films block 40-60 percent of all energy being lost through glass in winter and may cut cooling costs by 30 percent.

Windows can allow less than 25 percent of solar energy through with window film installed, versus allowing 90 percent without it. In addition, for commercial buildings, window film can deliver seven times the energy saving benefits per dollar spent compared with installing replacement windows.

As utilities and the commissions that oversee them are often interested in reaping the cost benefits of power conservation or reduction of peak demand, encouraging customers to have a professional installation of window film can be a wise suggestion. There may also be Federal, state or local incentive programs for which installed window film may qualify. To view some available tax incentives, visit here.

For more information on the energy savings benefits of professionally installed window film and additional professional resources, visit www.iwfa.com.